Maximum temperatures on Monday were only 3-9C and while more like average for mid-November, much lower than the relatively milder conditions so far this month.
Monday night was widely England’s coldest night of the autumn so far with temperatures below freezing and down to -5.2C at Benson, Oxfordshire.
There was also a frost overnight in Wales and northern Scotland.
It will only get colder in the next few days as a strong northerly wind drags cold Arctic air across the UK with temperatures falling between 3-6C below the mid-November average.
Yellow cold-health alerts from the UKHSA are in force across the Midlands until 08:00 GMT Friday.
More severe amber alerts have been issued for North West, North East, Yorkshire and Humber for the same period.
These alerts are mainly for health and social care services, warning of “significant” impacts to more vulnerable members of the community.
Extra demands may be put on services to deal with the colder weather.
The cold weather can lead to excess deaths, particularly those over 65 or those with health conditions. The UKHSA also warns there maybe impacts to some younger age groups too.